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How to make activated nuts & seeds
The activated nuts & seeds you buy in the shops can be quite expensive, but they are very easy to make at home.
All you need is some water and a bowl if you are going to eat them straight away (with the exception of almonds which will keep without becoming bitter for a few days in the fridge after soaking), but if you would like to store them for longer, then a dehydrator is also required.
Activating nuts & seeds makes them easier to digest and more nutritious. Many of them contain enzymes inhibitors which help preserve them until the right conditions for germination are present.
Soaking in water simulates the germination process and activates the nut or seed to grow and begin the spouting process. With these enzyme inhibitors and some other substances washed away, digestion and absorption of their nutrients becomes easier. They are also lighter to eat and very tasty.
Instructions …
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Soak in a bowl of water for the minimum required length of time as per the chart below (overnight is often the easiest)
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Be sure to allow enough space and water for them to potentially double in size
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You can soak them longer however the fat content will be reduced which can sometimes be important in some raw recipes
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Give them a good number of rinses to make sure all the soak water is washed away
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They are now ready to be eaten, however, if you wish to store them for longer you will need to dehydrate them (with the exception of almonds which will last for a few days in the fridge while still moist)
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Spread them out on dehydrator trays
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Dehydrate at 45 degrees for 18 - 36 hours or until there is no moisture left
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Nuts & seeds are best stored in the fridge or freezer if possible as it helps keep them from going rancid
Enjoy! xx
Soaking times to activate common nuts & seeds …
Seeds
pumpkin 4 - 8 hrs
sunflower 4 - 8 hrs
Nuts
almonds 6 - 12 hrs
hazelnuts 6 - 12 hrs
pistachio 6 - 12 hrs
pecans 2 - 6 hrs
walnuts 2 - 6 hrs
Photo instructions below ...